More Theater Monday - Big Apple Circus: Hometown Playground

We received complimentary tickets to Big Apple Circus: Hometown Playground. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Big Apple Circus: Hometown Playground

Where: Damrosch Park

             Lincoln Center, 62nd St. and Amsterdam Ave.

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through January 5. 2025

If you've previously seen The Big Apple Circus, this year's version may be disappointing.  In the past, even familiar acts offered unique and exciting twists that made them feel fresh and new. However, that is not the case this year.

Although there are one or two interesting new acts like a three-person juggling team, the majority of the acts feel all too familiar. In fact, one or two of them are not even as impressive as similar acts from previous years.  

Of the changes that were made, not all of them are good. Some actually detract from rather than add to the enjoyment of the show. For instance, during the trapeze act the safety net is only attached to the ceiling instead of to the floor so it extends all the way up, Thus, anyone not sitting in the middle of the venue has to look through a thick net to see and even when you do it is still hard to see that well. 

 

The lack of a ringmaster to introduce the acts was also a disappointment. Learning about the performers, at least their names or the name of their group, and where they are from is a big part of the circus experience. The one or two years that The Big Apple Circus provided videos on the big screen before each act in which the performers introduced themselves and talked about their backgrounds and how they became circus performers made the show even more special. It added an extra layer of excitement to watching the performances because it felt like you'd gotten to know them a little. Not even learning their names creates an emotional distance which takes away from the experience.

Despite the foregoing, you can still enjoy this year's show. It is still full of amazing performances performances and incredible feats. Young children and those who have not been to the circus much before will find it particularly exciting. However, regular attendees of the circus especially regular attendees of The Big Apple Circus may find it a little bit lacking. 

And that's our view. For more about The Big Apple Circus: Hometown Playground or to purchase tickets visit www.tdf.org/shows/21967/big-apple-circus-hometown-playground

All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, contact us here and we will look into the matter.